Newcastle Art Gallery

As a devotee of the Hunter’s creative pulse, stepping into the Newcastle Art Gallery in 2026 is a revelation. The architecture itself, a seamless blend of its 1970s brutalist roots and a soaring modern glass façade, acts as a cathedral for the "Iconic, Loved, Unexpected" reopening exhibition. Margaret Olley wasn't just a visitor to Newcastle; she was its "adopted" daughter and her life time work is a local love letter. While the world knows her for her Paddington home, she maintained a studio in a basement on church street for decades. Look for Newcastle Harbour (1970–71). While Olley is famed for her indoor "organized clutter," this work captures her deep affection for the city’s industrial grit. She used to climb the 120 steps to obelisk Park to sketch. She famously remarked that she would have lived in Newcastle full-time if the hills "didn't suit an old woman on wheels" so poorly :-) ​The inclusion of Sally Gabori’s monumental canvases is a masterstroke of the "First Nations First" curatorial lens. Gabori didn't start painting until she was 81, yet she condensed a lifetime of Kaiadilt history onto canvas. Her works, such as those depicting Dibirdibi Country, are not "abstract" in the Western sense—they are visceral maps of the salt pans and fish traps of Bentinck Island. ​You cannot walk through the new wing without acknowledging the Valerie and John Ryan Gallery . The transformation of this gallery was catalyzed by a staggering $20 million bequest from the late Valerie Ryan. A longtime Governor of the Gallery Foundation, Valerie’s gift (alongside her husband John) represents one of the most significant acts of cultural philanthropy in Australian regional history. ​The gallery has shifted from a quiet repository to a living, breathing cultural hub. Whether it’s the tactile stairwell sculptures by Fayen d’Evie or the monumental oyster-shell installation by Megan Cope, the "new" Newcastle Art Gallery feels like a bold statement of intent. It is a place where the industrial history of the Hunter meets the sophisticated future of Australian art. ​Pro -Tip : Visit on February to see the newly expanded floors and art work !

Stopped in on our recent road trip to Sydney. Will be happy to see the entirety of the extensions another time as the big reveal is in February. Loved the soaring ceiling when you enter; had a lovely talk with a couple of staff members, and enjoyed perusing the shop. Loved the Margaret Olley artworks and the indigenous art. Can’t forget the huge Brett Whiteley statue at the front. A wonderful addition to this city.

Loved visiting the art gallery last Friday night for a free event to see lovely Nina & bands performance :) beautiful space. Look forward to visiting again in January, & February for the free art workshops, I'll attend some on wkends. To see when the rest of the gallery is finished will be good! I really enjoyed looking at the art & the music was nice & good talent

Very nice Art Gallery . It was cool to see the kids being engaged and hands on on the first floor The exhibitions were well laid out , plenty of seating. The WarWar exhibition was great. Don’t take pics though ( allowed down stairs) Toilets are good, and there’s a little sculpture yard near the toilets

As all I know is full reveal coming February 2026.

Beautiful new space, just opened with a very interesting exhibition from the extensive collection owned by the Gallery. The guides were attentive and well informed and the new shop is also full of beautiful things.

Has wonderful exhibitions in a lovely building..I always enjoy visiting when I am in Melbourne!

Building is cool, people are nice. Sadly, all they have at the moment is the predictable and boring genufluction to aboriginal art, which is dull. Oh well, it should get better when the whole building is open for business.